Following the fall of Atlanta; rebel commander John Bell Hood rallied his demoralized troops and marched them off the Tennessee; desperately hoping to draw Sherman after him and forestall the Confederacy's defeat. But Sherman refused to be lured and began his infamous "March to the Sea;" while Hood charged headlong into catastrophe.In this compelling dramatic account of a final and fatal invasion by the Confederate Army of Tennessee; Wile Sword illuminates the missed opportunities; senseless bloody assaults; poor command decisions; and stubborn pride that resulted in 23;500 Confederate losses—including 7;00 casualties in one battle—and the pulverization of the South's second largest army.Sword follows Hood and his army as they let an early advantage and possible victory slip away at Spring Hill; then engage in a reckless and ill-fated frontal attack on Franklin; often called the "Gettysburg of the West." Despite that disaster; Hood refuses to yield and presses on the Nashville and a two-day bloodbath that unhinges what is left of his battered troops—the worst defeat suffered by any army during the war.Telling the story from both the Confederate and the Union perspectives; Sword pursues personalities as well as battles and troop strategy. He portrays Hood as a gutsy yet irresponsible leader—"a fool with a license to kill his own men"—whose valiant but rapidly dwindling troops were no match for the methodical General George G. Thomas and his better prepared—and entrenched—Union army. Hood; however; was not entirely to blame for Confederate failures; says Sword; who shows how decision making and actions—both good and bad; logical and chaotic—by key players on both sides helped determine the battles' outcomes.
#2808338 in Books 2015-06-30Original language:English 9.61 x 1.00 x 6.69l; #File Name: 0692476997400 pages
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. This book is a fantastic story about a soldier who had a remarkable military ...By GmawThis book is not the usual Civil War soldier book filled with dry facts and figures. This book is a fantastic story about a soldier who had a remarkable military service and went on to do great things afterward. This book is great for the hardcore Civil War buff and the newbie as well; or anyone interested in Washington County; PA. There are small; fun stories sprinkled throughout the book; told by a member of the 11th Pennsylvania; that really add to the enjoyment. There are areas that tell lots of information that you don't find in most Civil War books; that help the novice understand exactly what's going on and why. The hardcore buff will enjoy the details presented.Having the battles mostly as told by the men who were there was an interesting way of telling that part of the story. The author backs up his facts with pages of endnotes. I don't want to give too much away; but this story would make a great TV miniseries. It's unbelievable that the Major is unknown today. There should be a statue of him somewhere.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Great read!By Dr. ShredderWe are using this book in our AP United States History course. This is a wonderful account of a man who was a hero; yet has not been recognized for his great and positive efforts in our local community's storied history.
